The first major domino of the 2025 NFL offseason has officially fallen, and it’s a big one. The Miami Dolphins are moving on from veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb, a decision that could have ripple effects across the league-especially for contenders in need of pass-rush help.
Per reports, the Dolphins are cutting Chubb in what appears to be a standard release rather than a post-June 1 designation. That’s a costly move on Miami’s books.
The team will take on a $23.8 million dead-cap hit while saving just $7.3 million in cap space. It’s a significant financial sacrifice, which tells you just how ready the Dolphins are to reset along the edge.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting: there are a handful of playoff-caliber teams that should be circling this move closely. The Bills, Cowboys, Eagles, and 49ers all have legitimate needs at edge rusher, and Chubb-despite some question marks-could be a fit for any one of them.
Let’s start in Buffalo. With Joey Bosa set to hit free agency and his production dipping late last season, the Bills could be in the market for a fresh presence opposite Greg Rousseau. They’ve leaned heavily on their front four to generate pressure, and adding a veteran like Chubb could help stabilize a group that lacked consistency down the stretch.
The 49ers, meanwhile, are coming off a season where they recorded the fewest sacks in the NFL-a surprising stat for a team with Nick Bosa on the roster. But Bosa is recovering from a torn ACL, and the Niners desperately need someone who can win one-on-one battles on the opposite side. Chubb, when healthy, fits that bill.
In Philadelphia, the Eagles made a bold move at the trade deadline by bringing in Jaelan Phillips to bolster their pass rush. But Phillips is now a pending free agent.
Even if the Eagles bring him back, there’s still a need for more depth and disruption off the edge. Philly’s defense thrives when it can rotate fresh legs and keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Chubb could slot in as a rotational piece or even a starter, depending on how things shake out.
And then there’s Dallas, where the need might be the most urgent. The Cowboys never truly replaced Micah Parsons' production off the edge after shifting him into more of a hybrid role.
They need a tone-setter up front-someone who can win on third down and force offenses to account for him. Beyond that, they need depth.
Chubb’s experience and production could be exactly what Dan Quinn’s defense is missing.
Now, let’s talk about what Chubb brings to the table. When healthy, he’s been remarkably consistent.
He’s recorded 7.5 or more sacks in five of his seven NFL seasons, including 8.5 in 2025 over a full 17-game slate. That last part is key-2025 was the first time in his career he played every game in a season.
Availability has been the biggest knock on Chubb throughout his career, and durability will be a major factor in how teams value him moving forward.
He’s also approaching 30, which in NFL years-especially for edge rushers with an injury history-can be a red flag. But this is still a premium position, and pass rushers who can consistently win off the edge don’t stay on the market long. Chubb may not command top-tier dollars, but he’s almost certain to draw interest from contenders looking to make a serious push in 2026.
Bottom line: Chubb’s release is more than just a cap move by the Dolphins-it’s a signal to the rest of the league that a proven pass rusher is up for grabs. And for teams like the Bills, Niners, Eagles, and Cowboys, who all have championship aspirations and a clear need at edge, this could be an opportunity too good to pass up.